Prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may raise systolic blood pressure by as much as 3.3 millimetres of mercury (mmHg), warns Dr. Dorairaj Prabhakaran, Executive Director of the Centre for Chronic Disease Control (CCDC). He shared recent findings during the Indo-US Conference on 'Climate Change Impacts on Occupational and Environmental Health,' noting a clear link between ambient air pollution and cardiovascular issues.
“The life expectancy can be reduced by one and a half years due to prolonged exposure to air pollution,” said Dr. Prabhakaran. He emphasized that PM2.5 particles enter the bloodstream through the alveoli, damaging vascular endothelial cells and contributing to arterial stiffness and inflammation. Over time, these effects increase the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and even diabetes. Studies indicate that about 10% of India’s land mass, housing roughly 16% of the population, endures high PM2.5 pollution levels, with more acute challenges in major urban centers like Delhi.
The conference also addressed subjects such as climate change-driven public health emergencies, adaptation strategies, respiratory infections associated with rising temperatures, and environmental health surveillance.
Experts highlighted the importance of proactive measures, including improved air quality monitoring and policy interventions, to mitigate the detrimental effects of air pollution on cardiovascular health.
For healthcare professionals, these findings underscore the need for heightened vigilance in evaluating at-risk patients, particularly those residing in high-exposure regions. With global temperatures rising and pollution levels climbing, integrating preventive strategies and early interventions could significantly reduce future morbidity and mortality rates in cardiovascular care.
